The MotoGP world is focused on Franco Morbidelli as his Ducati VR46 contract edges closer to renewal for the 2026 season. Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team, supported by his longtime associate Uccio Salucci, appears nearly certain to keep Morbidelli on board, preserving continuity within the squad. This major development emerges during a period when Morbidelli’s future had been clouded by mixed results and inconsistent race finishes.
Uccio Salucci addressed the situation, stating,
“We still need to discuss with Franky, but I think we will finalize the contract in Hungary or Barcelona. We’re not 100% sure yet, but we have a 99% chance of signing together.”
—Uccio Salucci, VR46 Team Manager
Uncertainty Surrounds Morbidelli’s Equipment and Role
Despite the near-certainty of his contract extension, questions persist about the quality of machinery Morbidelli will receive. While teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio rides a current-spec GP25 bike, Morbidelli has been competing on an older model. Salucci revealed that Ducati offered VR46 the opportunity to operate two factory GP26 bikes next year, but the team opted to maintain their existing setup instead.
As Salucci explained,
“We decided to continue as we are this year, with one current factory bike and one from 2025. They might choose to allocate that factory bike to someone else,”
—Uccio Salucci, VR46 Team Manager
This decision raises concerns about whether Morbidelli will have the competitive tools to challenge front-runners or if he will remain disadvantaged compared to peers on full-factory machinery.
Rising Competition Within Ducati’s Satellite Teams
The competition for factory-spec machinery in Ducati’s satellite teams is intensifying ahead of the 2026 season. Gresini Racing is set to equip Alex Márquez with a GP26 bike, reflecting his impressive progress this year. Meanwhile, Fabio Di Giannantonio‘s confirmed promotion to the GP26 model adds pressure on the VR46 team to reinforce their rider lineup strategically.
Ducati’s satellite structure is becoming fiercely competitive, further complicated by uncertainty around Pedro Acosta‘s KTM future. VR46’s focus on Morbidelli could consolidate the team’s core identity but might also attract scrutiny if the rider does not achieve strong results.
Implications for Morbidelli and VR46 Going Forward
Securing Morbidelli for 2026 highlights VR46’s commitment to stability and loyalty amid a grid where rapid progress and consistency are vital. As the VR46 Academy’s first world champion, Morbidelli remains central to Valentino Rossi’s vision, despite the growing challenge posed by younger competitors eager for factory rides.
With the summer break concluding and the next season approaching, the ongoing negotiation signals high stakes for both rider and team. How Ducati and VR46 manage Morbidelli’s equipment and support will be critical to their ambitions and will shape the narrative in a MotoGP paddock known for swift changes.
